Two FIRs have been lodged at Vyalikaval police station against BJP MLA and former minister Munirathna following complaints by Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) contractor Chelvaraju. The allegations include harassment and issuing death threats.
The FIRs name Munirathna and three others—VG Kumar, Abhishek, and Vasanth Kumar. In the recent FIR, Chelvaraju released an audio clip accusing Munirathna of demanding a bribe, along with charges of casteist abuse.
Munirathna and three others have been charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including sections 37 (coercion), 506 (criminal intimidation), 505 (statements conducing to public mischief), 385 (putting a person in fear of injury in order to commit extortion), 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property), and 323 (voluntarily causing hurt).
The incident has sparked a strong response from the political community. Former Congress MP DK Suresh criticised Munirathna, particularly condemning his remarks as an insult to the Dalit community. Suresh stated, "Rajarajeshwari MLA Munirathna has used such a low-level language. He has insulted the Dalit community. BJP national leaders should answer this." He also recalled Munirathna's previous derogatory comments towards the Vokkaliga community, questioning the BJP's silence on the matter.
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In a further call to action, DK Suresh demanded Munirathna's immediate dismissal from the BJP and the NDA. He emphasised the gravity of the allegations, mentioning an audio clip where Munirathna purportedly threatens the contractor and discusses money matters. "I demand the BJP and the NDA to dismiss this leader immediately. He has insulted the Dalit community and a mother. A suo-moto case must be registered against him, and action must be taken immediately," Suresh insisted, urging the BJP to issue a public apology for the incident.